US-based Nigerian female professional basketball player, Arike Ogunbowale, says hardwork and passion are major determinants of her successful professional career at Dallas Wings of Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA).
Ogunbowale, the Most Outstanding Player of University of Notre Dame’s 2018 national title run, said this during a virtual programme titled, “Empowering Women and Girls through Sports.”
The programme was hosted by the U.S. Consulate in Lagos on Tuesday, to commemorate Women’s History Month.
According to her, the world has a long way to go in eliminating discrimination and inequality between the male and female gender.
“Personally, I don’t have experiences of discrimination because of my colour.
“I also believe that discrimination is reducing gradually and it all depends on the value you’re bringing to the society,” she said.
The 23-year-old said that her parents were her inspiration to keep getting better.
“My father, a Yoruba man, started from the scratch and built himself up.
“Because of this, I never doubt myself when on the court. If you don’t believe in yourself, no one will,” she said.
Ogunbowale further said that her biggest accomplishment so far was winning the women’s national championship in 2018.
The event brought together female student athletes, sports professionals, journalists and sports administrators to hear Ogunbowale discuss her passion for the game.
She admonished young women who had interests in basketball to do whatever they loved, no matter the obstacles.
“You can always do better than you are right now.
“Learn that you’re going to be disappointed once in a while, move on fast from such situations and don’t ever settle for less,” Ogunbowale said.(NAN)
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